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ammeter swinging wildly

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Old May 6, 2005 | 06:39 PM
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Default ammeter swinging wildly

My ammeter on my 68 has started jumping all over the place, not so bad when cold but as engine warms it get real bad. It holds steady until about 2000rpm (vibration?). Also the key buzzer has recently quit working but I didn't give it much thought. Any ideas where to start looking, horn relay? or voltage regulator?

Thanks

Rog
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Old May 6, 2005 | 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by 68-427
My ammeter on my 68 has started jumping all over the place, not so bad when cold but as engine warms it get real bad. It holds steady until about 2000rpm (vibration?). Also the key buzzer has recently quit working but I didn't give it much thought. Any ideas where to start looking, horn relay? or voltage regulator?

Thanks

Rog
Bad regulator. Fix it right away!
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Old May 6, 2005 | 06:41 PM
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I would check the connections on the horn relay for corrosion and then make sure the connection is tight. Also there is a fusible link on the horn relay that is in line with your ammeter. This may also be suspect and could be open.
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Old May 6, 2005 | 06:44 PM
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Thanks guys!! That was fast!
Rog
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Old May 6, 2005 | 06:54 PM
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Make sure to post back what you find out is the problem. May be helpful when someone is doing a search for a similiar problem.
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Old May 6, 2005 | 06:59 PM
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get a good look at your plug wires too.. a burnt one will cause the same symptoms
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Old May 6, 2005 | 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Aflac
get a good look at your plug wires too.. a burnt one will cause the same symptoms
HUH? A plug wire causing the AMMETER to jump?
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Old May 6, 2005 | 07:04 PM
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If it's burnt thru, yes. mine did it.. was messed up but it did...was causing a draw
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Old May 12, 2005 | 09:46 AM
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Hi

The problem was with the voltage regulator, I replaced that and everything works fine. Also checked connections at horn relay, key buzzer works now.
Rog
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Old May 12, 2005 | 01:11 PM
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Please pardon this dumb question... where is the voltage regulator and how difficult is it to replace?

My ammeter dances also and I just figured it was supposed to do that. Maybe my car has the same problem.

Thanks!
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Old May 16, 2005 | 12:44 PM
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The voltage regulator is separate from the alternator on early corvettes, it is located on the left front wheel well, the horn relay is right beside it. It is easy to replace and inexpensive. You might want to check the connections to the regulator and horn relay before replacing it.
Good luck!
rog
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